Paul

This course provides an introduction to the letters of St. Paul, both the Proto- and the Deuteropauline. But, first, the students will explore and reflect on the life of St. Paul, especially his vocation to become the Apostle to the Gentiles. Then, second, after an introductory matter on the phenomenon of letter-writing in the first century, the rest of the semester will be devoted to examining his letters or epistles: the circumstances for their writing, the basic outline and the principal themes or issues that are expounded therein. Applying mainly classical rhetorical method, it is hoped that, at the end of the course, the students come to understand Pauline thought deeper and realize its importance in Church life and doctrine.